DE102016208647A1 - Method and device for monitoring a breast examination - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for monitoring breast tissue examination is described. In the method, a completed examination of individual image layers (BS3, BS17) of a slice image data set (BDT) to be examined by breast tissue (4) to be examined is automatically registered. Furthermore, a user is informed about the image layers (BS3, BS17) that have already been diagnosed and that have not yet been diagnosed. An examination procedure monitoring device (53) is also described. Furthermore, a diagnostic station (50) will be described.

Description

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a breast tissue examination. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined. Furthermore, the invention relates to an examination sequence monitoring device. Moreover, the invention relates to a diagnostic station.

In many countries so-called mammography screenings are performed for the early detection of breast cancer. Screening is designed to routinely screen mammography for routine breast-feeding as many women as possible at a time when breast cancer represents a relevant health risk. There are already very large amounts of data today. For example, four shots of the female breast are usually made when examining a person.

In classic mammography, an X-ray is taken of the female breast. The X-radiation used in this case is a soft radiation with an energy of about 25 to 35 keV. For the detection of the X-ray radiation direct digital detectors and indirect digital detectors are used to detect the emitted X-radiation. Direct digital detectors convert the X-rays directly into an electrical signal. Indirect digital detectors, on the other hand, convert the X-rays into visible light, which is then converted into an electrical signal. The X-ray images are viewed on a special mammography diagnostic station, which includes one or two grayscale monitors, with which the X-ray images are displayed. An arrangement for two-dimensional mammography is in 1 shown.

In conventional two-dimensional mammography, there is the problem that the superimposition of various tissue structures often obscures pathological changes in the tissue so that they are not recognized. This problem is attempted to be compensated by moving the breast from two different angles, "craniocaudal" and "mediolateral oblique", i. once vertically and once at a 45 ° angle to picks up.

In order to improve the early detection and diagnosis, new and better examination methods are usefully used, such as tomosynthesis.

3D Breast Tomosynthesis provides an imaging technique that captures the breast from many different angles. For example, recordings are taken at angles of 15 to 50 degrees. In total, for example, between 9 and 25 recordings are taken from different angles with low dose and high acceleration voltage, so that the total dose corresponds approximately to that of a classical two-dimensional mammography image. From the acquired projection data, images are calculated for individual layers of breast tissue. Usually, about ten layers per centimeter of the compressed breast height and thus with large breast thicknesses up to a hundred layers. For the reconstruction of a three-dimensional image of an area to be examined from the acquired projection data, for example, the method of filtered rear projection is used. The resulting three-dimensional image can be viewed in layers for diagnostic purposes. Since layers above and below the layer selected for viewing can be hidden during the diagnosis, tissue changes are easier to detect. A system for the three-dimensional imaging of breast tissue by means of tomosynthesis is in 2 shown.

In addition, a two-dimensional mammography image is needed as an overview image. In the overview image, the doctor creating a report can mark certain areas that he can display in layers in the tomosynthesis recording.

Due to the large number of layers of the tomosynthesis images, there is the problem that an increased number of slice images must be examined for the diagnosis and this requirement results in many times more effort in setting a diagnosis. There is therefore a need to limit the effort involved in the examination of the breast tissue to a necessary degree.

This object is achieved by a method for monitoring a breast tissue examination according to claim 1, a method for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined according to claim 9, an examination procedure monitoring device according to claim 12 and a diagnostic station according to claim 13.

In the method according to the invention for monitoring a breast tissue examination, individual image layers of a tomographic image data set to be examined for breast tissue to be examined are automatically registered after successful diagnosis. In this context, the term "findings" should be understood as meaning that a single image layer is called up by the user and also shown to him in a pictorial manner. In addition, the user will receive information regarding those already diagnosed and not yet diagnosed Image layers displayed automatically. That is, the user receives information about which of the image layers of a tomographic image data set have already been displayed to him and which have not yet been displayed to him. Advantageously, the user therefore always has an overview of the current status of his work during the diagnostic procedure and can in particular avoid an unintentional repetition of a diagnosis of a single image layer, as a result of which he can save work and time. In addition, the user has a control over that he has also reviewed all image layers and has omitted any image layers accidentally. In particular, when different people work consecutively on a finding, they can inform themselves about the work already done by the colleagues and thus avoid unnecessary redundancy as well as gaps in the findings. In this way, both the efficiency of the diagnosis as well as their safety and reliability is increased.

In the method according to the invention for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined, a slice image data record of the breast tissue to be examined is recorded. Furthermore, a report based on the slice image data set is performed, wherein individual image layers of the slice image data set are examined. In addition, a method according to the invention for monitoring a breast tissue examination is carried out. As part of the monitoring of the breast tissue examination, the examination staff is informed of the current status of the examination so that an effective and complete assessment of the breast tissue to be examined is ensured.

The examination procedure monitoring device according to the invention has a registration unit for the automated registration of a completed diagnosis of individual image layers. In this context, the term "registering" should be understood to mean the determination and recording of a successful finding. So if a picture layer is called up, it is also determined at the same time that it is being diagnosed. Furthermore, this information is also stored so that the information is permanently available to the user. In addition, the examination sequence monitoring device according to the invention comprises an image layer information display unit for the automated display of information regarding the image layers that have already been diagnosed and that have not yet been detected. That is, the user is presented with information about which image layers have already been invoked and which have not yet been invoked, so that the user can focus on the not yet detected layers.

The diagnostic station according to the invention has an input interface for detecting a slice image data set of the breast tissue to be examined. In addition, the diagnostic station according to the invention comprises a diagnostic unit for performing a diagnosis on the basis of the slice image data record, individual image layers of the slice image data set being displayed for assessment. In addition, the diagnostic station according to the invention has an examination procedure monitoring device according to the invention.

The essential components of the examination sequence monitoring device according to the invention and the diagnosis station according to the invention can be designed predominantly in the form of software components. This particularly relates to the registration unit, the image layer information display unit and the diagnosis unit. In principle, however, these components can also be partly realized, in particular in the case of particularly fast calculations, in the form of software-supported hardware, for example FPGAs or the like. Likewise, the required interfaces, for example, if it is only about a transfer of data from other software components, be designed as software interfaces. However, they can also be configured as hardware-based interfaces, which are controlled by suitable software.

A largely software-based implementation has the advantage that even previously used diagnostic stations can be retrofitted in a simple manner by a software update to work in the manner according to the invention. In this respect, the object is also achieved by a corresponding computer program product with a computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory device of a diagnostic station according to the invention, with program sections in order to carry out all the steps of the method according to the invention when the computer program is executed in the diagnostic station.

Such a computer program product may contain, in addition to the computer program, additional components such as e.g. a documentation and / or additional components also hardware components, such as. Hardware keys (dongles, etc.) for using the software include

For transport to the storage device of the diagnostic station and / or for storage at the diagnostic station, a computer-readable medium, for example a memory stick, a hard disk or another portable or fixed serve built-in data carrier, on which are stored by a computer unit of the diagnostic station readable and executable program sections of the computer program. For example, the computer unit may have one or more cooperating microprocessors or the like for this purpose.

The dependent claims and the following description each contain particularly advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention. In this case, in particular the claims of a claim category can also be developed analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category. In addition, in the context of the invention, the various features of different embodiments and claims can also be combined to form new embodiments.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention for monitoring a breast tissue examination, the slice image data set comprises a 3D mammographic image data record, preferably a tomosynthesis image data record. In order to be able to better recognize individual regions in the breast tissue, a tomographic image record is created in 3D mammography, whereby an expert can look at the individual image layers and in this way can better recognize structures that would have been covered in a 2D image. One way to obtain such a 3D slice image data set is the already mentioned tomosynthesis. The assessor advantageously obtains the possibility of a detailed examination of the breast area in all three dimensions by means of the 3D representation, without individual structures hiding or overlapping one another. To do this, he has to search the 3D image layer by layer for conspicuous structures, such as lesions. With the aid of the method according to the invention, the user has the option of having his procedure automatically recorded during the assessment of the individual image layers and thus being able to monitor and control it at any time. In particular, it can thus avoid unwanted redundancy during the investigation and thus save time and effort.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for monitoring a breast tissue examination, the image layers that have already been diagnosed and that have not yet been diagnosed are displayed by an additional display field. In this context, an additional display field is to be understood as an area on a graphic display, for example a screen, which is displayed in addition to a display area which displays the image layers of the 3D layer image data record. Such a display field may comprise, for example, an indicator bar with which image layers not yet detected are provided with a different marking than already detected image layers. In this way, the user has the opportunity to see at a glance which image layers he has already edited and which he still has to investigate.

Additionally, a slice position of a currently-detected image slice in the indicator bar may be automatically displayed to the user, i.e., a portion of the indicator bar symbolizing the currently-detected image slice is particularly marked when a desired slice is invoked. For example, the section receives a colored border, so that the user knows at which position in the breast to be examined, in the slice direction, he is currently located or at which position the currently examined image slice is located. Advantageously, the user can selectively view individual layers and each knows the current position of the observed layer in the layer stack.

It is particularly preferable if, in the context of the method according to the invention for monitoring a breast tissue examination, a desired image layer is selected in the indicator bar. That is, the indicator bar not only serves to display individual already layered image layers and their position in the slice direction, but the indicator bar also has a selection function, which consists in that individual sections of the indicator bar, which symbolize individual image layers can be selected and thus a assigned image layer is selected and this is automatically displayed for reporting on a screen or a display panel of the screen. In this way, the user can advantageously navigate with the help of the indicator bar between different image layers and leave these ads. The additional display panel thus has a navigation function in this special embodiment.

In a particularly advantageous variant of the method according to the invention for monitoring a breast tissue examination, the navigation function is triggered by controlling an area assigned to an image slice in the display field and automatically displaying the image slice associated with the selected area. The area associated with an image layer may preferably be a portion of an indicator bar, which may be selected by the user in the manner already described, and whose selection is accompanied by an automatic display of the image layer associated with that portion.

Within the scope of a preferred variant of the method according to the invention for the diagnosis of In addition, an overview image data record can be generated for the breast tissue to be examined, or an overview image data record already generated during the X-ray image recording and supplied together with the slice image data set can be used, which comprises an overview image representation of the breast tissue to be examined. The overview image can be, for example, a two-dimensional mammographic image, which preferably represents a projection of the breast to be examined in the slice direction. The summary image data set and a single layer of the composite image data set are displayed simultaneously. The user can select individual areas in the overview image and display them in a layer image. This means that a selection of an image layer of the slice image data record to be examined is carried out by driving a region of interest in the overview image. For this purpose, on the basis of the selected two-dimensional region of interest, it is computationally determined at which position in the slice direction the structures visible in the region of interest are located. In this case, a plurality of image layers or image layer sequences, which are adjacent to one another or also remote from one another or separated by other image layers, can be determined and displayed to the user one after the other. In addition, within the scope of a particularly preferred variant of the method according to the invention for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined, the region of interest selected in the overview image is also marked in the respective determined and displayed image layers and thus displayed. Thus, when the individual image layers are examined, the observer's gaze is immediately directed to the area of the representation of the individual image layers selected by himself, which simplifies the findings for the user and saves him unnecessary time spent searching for the region of interest in the respective image layer ,

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for the examination of breast tissue to be examined, the selection of the image layer to be examined takes place, preferably automatically, as a function of the position in the slice direction of a tissue structure represented in the region of interest. That is, the position and the extent of the relevant tissue structure in the slice direction are determined and the image slice participating in this position is selected and displayed to the user.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures with reference to embodiments. Show it:

1 a mammography system for two-dimensional radiograph of a breast,

2 a thomosynthesis system for three-dimensional X-ray imaging of a breast,

3 a representation of a simultaneous display of a slice image and an overview image and additionally an indicator bar, which provides information about the already processed image layers and the still to be processed image layers in the context of a report, according to an embodiment of the invention,

4 a block diagram showing a breast examination system with a diagnostic station according to an embodiment of the invention,

5 a flow chart illustrating a method for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined according to an embodiment of the invention.

In 1 is a system 10 for two-dimensional X-ray imaging of the breast, also called mammography system described. The mammography system 10 includes an X-ray source 1 , from which X-ray radiation 2 in a fan-like manner, ie in a beam that widens orthogonally to the propagation direction, in the direction of a breast 4 is emitted. The breast 4 lies on a stage 5 on and off of a compression plate 3 against the stage 5 pressed. In this way, the thickness of the breast 4 in the propagation direction of the X-radiation 2 , ie reduced in the z-direction. By reducing the thickness of the X-ray radiation 2 illuminated object 4 is accompanied by a reduction of scattered radiation. Part of the chest 4 incident X-rays 2 is absorbed. The rest of the chest 4 incident X-rays 2 is transmitted and from an image sensor 6 , an X-ray detector in this case.

In 2 is a conventional thomosynthesis system 20 for the three-dimensional radiograph of a breast 4 shown schematically. The thomosynthesis system 20 includes differently than in 1 shown 2D mammography system 10 a rotatable about the object center M X-ray source 1 , with x-rays of a breast 4 from different directions or angles are feasible. Also in 2 shown Thomosynthesesystem 20 includes a compression plate 3 which the breast to be examined 4 against a stage 5 pressed. The breast to be examined 4 is from the X-ray source 1 irradiated from different angles, with a plurality of individual images of the breast 4 from an x-ray detector 6 , also referred to as an image sensor, are detected. From the For single images, a three-dimensional slice image is calculated, which is a layered examination of the tissue of the imaged breast 4 allows.

In 3 is a graphical user interface 30 a diagnostic station (see 4 ). This graphical user interface 30 For example, it may be in the form of a screen, implemented as a touch screen, or in the form of a combination of a screen with an input unit, such as a mouse or a keyboard. The screen shows mammographic image data from the diagnostic station. In addition, it can be accessed via the graphical user interface 30 also provide instructions to the diagnostic station to display, for example, certain image layers including the mammographic image data. On a graphic user interface display panel 30 is in a left part 31 a two-dimensional overview representation BD _{M of} a female breast 4 viewed from above. In a middle section 32 is a layered representation of the female breast 4 viewed from above. Moreover, it is in a right subarea 33 a navigation aid in the form of an indicator bar B shown. The indicator bar B has a plurality of total in this example 54 Layer fields S1, ..., S54, each of a recorded image layer BS _i , which in the central portion 32 can be displayed, are assigned. The indicator bar B further comprises a navigation bar N with a sliding element ES, which can be moved to any layer field position S1, ..., S54, to a corresponding image layer BS _i in the central portion 32 display. The individual image layers BS _i can thus be controlled with the aid of the sliding element ES and called to be in the middle subregion 32 to be displayed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for monitoring a breast tissue examination, the already called image layers or the layer field positions S10, S11, S12 associated therewith are dyed green, which corresponds to FIG 3 indicated by an oblique hatching.

The not yet called layers or their associated layer field positions are colored red, which in 3 with a missing hatching of the corresponding areas of the indicator bar B is indicated. The layer field position S17 of the indicator bar B associated with the currently called image layer BS ₁₇ is provided with a special marking, for example with a different color or color border, which is shown in FIG 3 symbolized with a checkered hatching. By checking and displaying the respective read or unread image layers, a kind of progress indication is created. In addition, the diagnosing radiologist can specifically call up the not yet considered image layers and thus avoids that certain image layers are viewed twice and others are not even examined. Another function of in 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, information about the image layers considered, for example with regard to a provisional finding, can be stored in their additional information in order to be able to later understand how the findings ended and to obtain information for further optimizations of the findings.

Another feature of in 3 shown embodiment is that in the left portion 31 in the overview image, a first region of interest ROI1 that is in the left subregion 31 is provided below with a rectangular mark can be selected. Depending on the layer in which the structures present in the region of interest ROI1 are mainly located, the corresponding image layer in the middle subregion is then assigned to the first region of interest ROI1 32 displayed automatically, wherein at the same time the position or the first region of interest ROI1 corresponding area ROI1 'is transmitted to the image layer to be displayed BS ₁₇ and also in the central portion 32 is displayed at the named position. This process is in 3 is symbolized by a solid arrow between the first region of interest ROI1 and the region ROI1 'corresponding to it in the associated image layer BS ₁₇ .

Dashed arrows show the sequence of a selection of an image layer BS ₃ with the aid of the indicator bar B, wherein an image layer field S3 corresponding to the desired image layer BS ₃ is first controlled on the indicator bar B with the aid of the sliding element ES. Subsequently, the corresponding layer on the screen in the middle portion 32 displayed. Subsequently, an additional marking of a second region of interest ROI2 in the left subregion is carried out by the user 31 the ad 30 , The second region of interest ROI2 is then automatically in the middle part of the area 32 displayed, the image layer field S3 corresponding third image layer BS ₃ where this area is marked as ROI2 '.

In 4 is a breast examination system 40 with a diagnostic device 50 Also referred to as a diagnostic station, shown according to an embodiment of the invention. The breast examination system 40 additionally has a medical imaging facility 60 on, with the one of a breast to be examined both Overview image, for example, as a 2D mammographic image BD _{M is} recorded and in addition a three-dimensional image recording BD _T , for example, a tomosynthesis image acquisition, is recorded by the breast to be examined. It also includes the breast examination system 40 also the in 3 illustrated graphical user interface 30 in the form of a touchscreen for communication with a user, for example a doctor, who wishes to create a finding based on the acquired image data BD _M , BD _T. The part of the medical imaging device 60 image data BD _M , BD _T taken from the breast to be examined are transmitted via an input interface 51 to the mentioned diagnostic device 50 transmitted. There, the image data BD _M , BD _T to a diagnostic unit 52 transmitted. The diagnostic unit 52 is adapted to select individual image layers BS _i (in this case the image layers BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) of the three-dimensional image data BD _T and simultaneously to the overview image data BD _M on the graphic interface 30 display. Furthermore, the diagnostic unit 52 adapted to locate, based on a user-defined region of interest ROI1, a tissue structure present in said region ROI1 and to select one or more image layers BS _{17 associated with} said tissue structures, and by transmission via an output interface 56 on the screen 30 display. In addition, with the respective image layer BS ₁₇ , a region ROI1 'corresponding to the position of the region of interest ROI1 is also displayed.

Furthermore, the diagnostic unit hands over 52 the information regarding the selected or identified image layer BS ₁₇ to an examination process monitoring device 53 , The examination procedure monitoring device 53 includes a registration unit 54 and a picture layer information display unit 55 , The registration unit 54 registers and stores on the basis of the obtained information regarding the displayed image layer BS ₁₇ that it is being scanned. Then, it gives this information B-BS ₁₇ to the image layer information display unit 55 Next, which an instruction to display an information B-BS ₁₇ on the screen 30 output via the output interface 56, that the relevant image layer BS ₁₇ is being diagnosed. This information B-BS ₁₇ is displayed on the screen 30 for example, by marking a portion S17 assigned to the image layer BS ₁₇ on an indicator bar B (see FIG 3 ) is displayed.

Conversely, a user can also see one on the screen 30 be imaged image layer BS ₃ directly by the user, for example, a sliding element ES on a navigation bar N to the desired location S3 offset (see 3 ). The information about the selected area S3 of the indicator bar B associated with a particular slice BS ₃ as well as a region of interest ROI2 possibly selected on the overview image becomes, for example, in the case of using a touchscreen via the input / output interface 56 to the diagnostic unit 52 transmitted. In the diagnostic unit, a desired image slice BS ₃ and a region of interest ROI 2 'corresponding to the selected region of interest ROI 2 are determined in the selected image slice BS ₃ and via the input / output interface 56 on the screen 30 displayed. In addition, the information about the selected image layer BS _{3 is sent} to the examination process monitor 53 or the registration unit integrated therein 54 passed. The registration unit 54 stores the information B-BS ₃ that the image layer BS _{3 in question} is being detected, and supplies this information B-BS ₃ to the image layer information display unit 55 further. The image layer information display unit 55 transmitted via the input / output interface 56 an instruction to display information B-BS ₃ on the screen 30 in that the relevant image layer BS ₃ is being evaluated. This information will be on the screen 30 for example, by marking a portion S3 associated with the image layer BS ₃ on an indicator bar B (see FIG 3 ) is displayed.

In 5 is a flowchart 500 shown a method for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined is illustrated. At one step 5.I First, a slice image data set BD _{T of} the breast tissue to be examined 4 detected. The layer image data set BD _T can be recorded, for example, by means of a tomosynthesis imaging method. At the step 5.II is subsequently carried out a diagnosis based on the layer-image data set BD _T, wherein individual image slices BS _i of the layer image data set BD _T are evaluated.

At the step 5.III Monitoring of the findings now takes place in that a completed finding of individual image layers BS _{i of} a slice image data set BD _T to be examined is automatically registered by breast tissue to be examined. In addition, in the Shcritt 5.IV automatically displays information B-BS _i with regard to the image layers that have already been diagnosed and that have not yet been diagnosed, so that a user can specifically select the not yet diagnosed layers and document his work and avoid unnecessary additional effort, in particular due to unintentional duplicate findings of individual layers can.

It is finally pointed out again that the above-described methods and devices are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and that the invention can be varied by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, as far as it is specified by the claims. Thus, the procedure for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined and the examination procedure monitoring device were 53 illustrated primarily by the representation of tomosynthesis image data BD _T. However, the invention is not limited to an application to such image data, but the invention can also be basically applied to all types of tomographic images. For the sake of completeness, it is also pointed out that the use of indefinite articles does not exclude "a" or "one", that the characteristics in question can also be present multiple times. Similarly, the term "unit" does not exclude that it consists of several components, which may also be spatially distributed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

X-ray source 1

2

 X-rays

3

 compression plate

4

 chest

5

 stage

6

 Image sensor / X-ray detector

10

 mammography system

20

 Thomosynthesesystem

30

 graphical user interface / display

31

 left section

32

 middle section

33

 right section

40

 Breast Examination System

50

 Befundungseinrichtung / reading station

51

 Input interface

52

 Befundungseinheit

53

 Examination process monitoring device

54

 registration unit

55

 Image layer information display unit

56

 Output interface

60

 medical imaging device

B

 indicator bar

B-BS _i , B-BS ₃ , B-BS ₁₇

 Information about the detected image layer

BD _M

2D mammography image

BD _T

 three-dimensional image capture

BS _i , BS ₃ , BS ₁₇

 image layer

IT

 sliding element

M

 Object center

N

 navigation bar

ROI1

 first area of interest

ROI1'

 area corresponding to the first area of interest

ROI2

 second area of interest

ROI2'

 area corresponding to the second area of interest

S1, ..., S54

 Layer fields / shift field positions

S3, S10, S11, S12, S17

 Layer field positions

Claims (15)

A method of monitoring a breast tissue examination, comprising the steps of: - automatically registering a completed diagnosis of individual image layers (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) of a slice image data set (BD _T ) to be examined for breast tissue ( 4 ), - automated display of information (B-BS ₃ , B-BS ₁₇ ) with respect to the already detected and not yet detected image layers (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ). The method of claim 1, wherein the tomographic image data set (BD _T ) comprises a 3D mammographic image data set, preferably a tomosynthesis image data set. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display of the already detected (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) and the not yet detected image layers by an additional display field ( 33 ) he follows. Method according to claim 3, wherein the additional display field ( 33 ) comprises an indicator bar (B). Method according to claim 4, wherein the indicator bar (B) provides image layers that are not yet scanned with a different marking than previously determined image layers (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ). Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein a layer position of a currently detected image layer (BS ₁₇ ) in the indicator bar (B) is displayed automatically and / or in the indicator bar (B) a desired image layer (BS ₃ ) is selected and automated to be displayed. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the additional display field ( 33 ) has a navigation function. Method according to claim 7, wherein the navigation function is triggered by displaying in the display field ( 33 ) a region (S17) assigned to an image layer (BS ₁₇ ) is activated and the image layer (BS ₁₇ ) assigned to the controlled region (S17) is displayed automatically. Method for the diagnosis of breast tissue to be examined ( 4 ), comprising the steps: - acquiring a slice image data set (BD _T ) of the breast tissue to be examined ( 4 Performing a report based on the slice image data set (BD _T ), wherein individual image layers (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) of the slice image data set (BD _T ) are examined, performing a method according to one of claims 1 to Method according to claim 9, wherein - additionally an overview image data set (BD _M ) comprising an overview image ( 31 ) of the breast tissue to be examined ( 4 ), and the overview image data set (BD _M ) and a single layer (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) of the slice image data set (BD _T ) are displayed simultaneously, and a selection of an image slice (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) to be evaluated Slice image data set (BD _T ) by driving a region of interest (ROI1) in the overview image ( 31 ) he follows. Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the selection of the image layer (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) to be examined is effected as a function of the position in the slice direction of a tissue structure represented in the region of interest (ROI1), preferably automatically. Examination flow monitoring device ( 53 ), comprising: - a registration unit ( 54 ) for automatically registering a completed diagnosis of individual image layers (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ), - an image layer information display unit ( 55 ) for automatically displaying information (B-BS3, B-BS ₁₇ ) with respect to the image layers already detected and not yet detected. Diagnostic station ( 50 ), comprising: - an input interface ( 51 ) for acquiring a slice image data set (BD _T ) of breast tissue to be examined ( 4 ), - a diagnostic unit ( 52 ) for performing a report on the basis of the slice image data set (BD _T ), wherein individual image layers (BS ₃ , BS ₁₇ ) of the slice image data set (BD _T ) are displayed for review, - an examination process monitoring device ( 53 ) according to claim 12. Computer program product with a computer program, which is stored directly in a memory unit of a diagnostic station ( 50 ) is loadable, with program sections, to carry out all the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, when the computer program in the diagnostic station ( 50 ) is performed.  A computer-readable medium on which are readable and executable program sections stored by a processing unit of a computer unit for carrying out all the steps of a method according to one of claims 1 to 11 when the program sections are executed by the computer unit.

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